Library.Automationdirect.comhttps://library.automationdirect.com
Knowledge for Industrial Automation Professionals - AutomationDirect.com has complied news articles, press release and application stories into one location for all to learn from.Tue, 18 Dec 2018 16:38:17 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8Merry Christmas from AutomationDirect!https://library.automationdirect.com/merry-christmas-from-automationdirect/
Mon, 17 Dec 2018 13:26:46 +0000https://library.automationdirect.com/?p=10038Let’s take some time to appreciate! Celebrate your joys! What brought you joy this year? A satisfying personal accomplishment, a new or improved relationship, serving others, a renewed commitment to your deepest beliefs, a professional milestone? Big or small, we hope you experienced many joyful moments, and that remembering them at this time of year ... Read More

Let’s take some time to appreciate!

Celebrate your joys!

What brought you joy this year? A satisfying personal accomplishment, a new or improved relationship, serving others, a renewed commitment to your deepest beliefs, a professional milestone? Big or small, we hope you experienced many joyful moments, and that remembering them at this time of year will bring those feelings into focus once again, and give you energy and enthusiasm for the new year.

We know you have many choices for industrial products, so we truly appreciate your confidence and trust in the customer service we strive to provide every day.

Thank You for being a loyal customer and we wish you a joyful holiday season!

Our homes and plants are full of electronic equipment, and under normal circumstances we don’t worry about a refrigerator, computer or electric motor causing a fire. We take it for granted that these products are built well and tested to ensure safe performance, because most of them are.

Quality-built home and industrial electronic devices have marks indicating they have passed a variety of tests. The UL mark shown here indicates extensive evaluation and testing.

Dehner and Dunn say at least this was the working assumption, but things are changing for the worse with some components, particularly for industrial use.

Some high-quality products are counterfeited outright. Looking at the larger world of manufacturing these days, this type of situation is happening more often for a couple of reasons: the growing interest in devices from the “maker” community, and the growing ease of purchasing inexpensive electronic components from no-name suppliers.

For someone working on a basic industrial project and needing a standard electronic automation device, say a ¼-DIN temperature loop controller, there are many potential suppliers with a wide range of prices. Some searching on eBay can turn up un-branded units which cost barely one-quarter the price of even a high-value supplier, with other name-brand units offered at far higher prices. Be careful, Dehner and Dunn say.

We’ll assume the un-branded unit works, but it will likely have few if any marks showing it has passed any certifications or tests. The customer in this case has no assurance the unit has ever been checked for any type of manufacturing quality outside of powering-up correctly. The more expensive choices will undoubtedly come with an assortment of testing marks such as UL, CE, CSA and possibly others, determined by the country of origin and intended markets.

Similarly, someone wanting to use “maker” devices in a project has to be careful as to the source of the products. For example, the basic Arduino UNO, if made by the Arduino company, is provided with the CE (Conformité Européene) and FCC marks. Additionally, it is ROHS compliant. These together designate it meets the most basic requirements for levels of potentially hazardous chemical content such as lead and cadmium necessary for legal sale in the EU countries. The FCC mark indicates it doesn’t cause excessive amounts of RFI.

Those are fine as far as they go, but they don’t mean nearly as much as the kind of analysis and testing done by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) such as UL. Moreover, it only applies to products actually made by Arduino.

The bigger problem is an equivalent board can be purchased from multiple manufacturers because the UNO design is open source. Anyone can make and sell a functionally-equivalent board. It may operate exactly as it should, but it may not have any certifications at all. Let the buyer beware.

Two functionally equivalent “Uno” boards, one from Arduino (left) and the other a clone, do not carry the same certifications.

Why Product Testing Matters

Product testing and certifications do not create quality, but they ensure a product is designed and manufactured with quality as a primary objective. Testing always requires using some standard as the yardstick. For example, making sure a PLC can operate without getting excessively hot is part of compliance with IEC 61131-2. The more complex the standard, the more complex the testing.

The internals of an unbranded, non-certified temperature display. It carries no marks at all, so there is no assurance it was designed well, uses quality components or was assembled properly.

Most people who explore this topic in any depth are astonished by the number of testing organizations around the world and the mind-boggling number of standards. These stem from the days before globalization when most industrial countries had their own locally manufactured products.

Consequently, an automation product manufacturer has to launch a testing program for every major country. This creates a lot of duplicated effort, but at least most countries have relatively similar testing criteria. There are differences from country to country and some are stricter than others, but Dehner and Dunn say a truly well-designed and manufactured product can pass most examinations.

Product designers who know their efforts will be dissected under a microscope by a dispassionate evaluator realize they can’t cut corners. Everything has to be executed correctly at every phase of the process. Test and certification are simply a verification of the correct process. Passing the test is important, but not as important as a desire to create and build quality products.

]]>What’s new with the Productivity Suitehttps://library.automationdirect.com/whats-new-productivity-suite/
Fri, 14 Dec 2018 18:21:01 +0000https://library.automationdirect.com/?p=10027Our software developers have been very busy adding new features and improvements to our Productivity Suite PLC programming software. Since its release many years ago, Productivity Suite has continually been improved with ongoing enhancements many of which were derived from customer requests. Thank you for your feedback and please keep us informed of any features ... Read More

]]>Our software developers have been very busy adding new features and improvements to our Productivity Suite PLC programming software. Since its release many years ago, Productivity Suite has continually been improved with ongoing enhancements many of which were derived from customer requests. Thank you for your feedback and please keep us informed of any features you may need now or in the future. You can post a request on our forum anytime at https://forum.automationdirect.com/forum/give-us-your-2-cents but in the meantime, here are some of the recent major improvements to our Productivity Suite software:

Productivity Suite V3.4

GS4 Integration – we have now incorporated the latest DURApulse GS4 drive properties into the Productivity Suite Hardware Configuration for easy set up and storage of drive parameters. Productivity Suite will auto-discover any GS drive that is connected to the Productivity2000 or Productivity3000’s Remote I/O port and the saved parameters can be written to the new drive with a project transfer.

Mail Accounts – pre-defined widgets for the most popular Mail Servers (Gmail, AOL, Outlook, Yahoo) have been added to be used with the updated Send Email instruction. You can have up to 4 total, different mail accounts and the Mail Server Certificate is saved within the PLC project.

Network Time Service and Time Sync instruction – allows the CPU’s internal real-time clock and calendar to sync with the date and time from a specified time server.

Previous enhancements you might have missed

EtherNet/IP EDS File Import – Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) file imports for EtherNet/IP device and network configurations. These ASCII text files describe the features of an EtherNet/IP device and can easily be imported into the hardware configuration of your Productivity Suite project. Once imported, these EDS files are stored globally across software versions.

Productivity Network (ProNET) – adds the ability to share data (through publish and subscribe functions), over Ethernet, with other Productivity Series CPU’s quickly and easily.

Custom Protocol over Ethernet (CPoE) – allows the CPU to Send or Receive structured Hex-Based data to/from another device over Ethernet. This is particularly useful in situations where the Productivity series CPU must communicate with a device that has Hex-Based communications but does not support one of our standard protocols.

]]>IronHorse MTCP2 industrial duty motors meet the premium efficiency requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. MTCP2 motors are offered in T-Frame (1 to 300 hp) and TC-Frame/C-Face (1 to 30 hp). C-face kits are available for motors over 30hp.

In business since 1994, AutomationDirect is a distributor offering thousands of industrial automation products for electrical control systems, including PLCs, operator interfaces, AC drives, motors, stepper systems, sensors, motor controls, enclosures and more. Their prices are typically well below the list price of more traditional automation companies because of their business model and focus on efficiency and the majority of their products are stocked for same-day shipping. Plus, get free two-day delivery on orders over $49; some limitations apply. For more information, contact them at 800-633-0405 or visit www.automationdirect.com.

]]>High Efficiency and Ruggedized DC Power Supplies from AutomationDirecthttps://library.automationdirect.com/ruggedized-dc-power-supplies/
Wed, 12 Dec 2018 13:36:44 +0000https://library.automationdirect.com/?p=10018AutomationDirect has added PSH series high efficiency power supplies and PSX series rugged IP67 rated power supplies to the RHINO DC power supplies lineup. RHINO high efficiency PSH series 12, 24 and 48 VDC power supplies offer best-in-class efficiencies up to 94.5%, temperature performance range of -25°C to 70°C and agency approvals for extreme conditions. ... Read More

]]>AutomationDirect has added PSH series high efficiency power supplies and PSX series rugged IP67 rated power supplies to the RHINO DC power supplies lineup.

RHINO high efficiency PSH series 12, 24 and 48 VDC power supplies offer best-in-class efficiencies up to 94.5%, temperature performance range of -25°C to 70°C and agency approvals for extreme conditions. The DIN rail clips can be moved to the side of the power supply for side mounting in flat panels.

PSH series supplies are UL 508 and hazardous location listed, UL 60950 recognized, ATEX certified, CE marked and RoHS compliant. High efficiency PSH series power supplies start at $83.00 and have a 5-year warranty.

In business since 1994, AutomationDirect is a distributor offering thousands of industrial automation products for electrical control systems, including PLCs, operator interfaces, AC drives, motors, stepper systems, sensors, motor controls, enclosures and more. Their prices are typically well below the list price of more traditional automation companies because of their business model and focus on efficiency and the majority of their products are stocked for same-day shipping. Plus, get free two-day delivery on orders over $49; some limitations apply. For more information, contact them at 800-633-0405 or visit www.automationdirect.com.

]]>WEG High-Performance, Compact Size AC Drives from AutomationDirecthttps://library.automationdirect.com/weg-high-performance-compact-size-ac-drives/
Wed, 12 Dec 2018 13:36:30 +0000https://library.automationdirect.com/?p=10015AutomationDirect has added a new line of AC variable frequency (VFD) drives for motor speed control and other industrial control applications. The WEG CFW300 variable frequency drive is a high-performance VFD for three-phase induction motors. It is ideal for applications on machines or equipment that require precise control with easy setup and operation. The CFW300 ... Read More

]]>AutomationDirect has added a new line of AC variable frequency (VFD) drives for motor speed control and other industrial control applications.

The WEG CFW300 variable frequency drive is a high-performance VFD for three-phase induction motors. It is ideal for applications on machines or equipment that require precise control with easy setup and operation. The CFW300 features a compact size with contactor-style electrical connections (top in / bottom out). The VFD’s performance can be scaled to match the application by selecting WEG vector control (VVW) or scalar control (V/Hz).

The CFW300 includes a built-in keypad and SoftPLC with free WEG Programming Suite (WPS) software for custom tailored control schemes. The integrated WPS tool assists in the creation of automation applications, allowing graphical monitoring, parameter setting and programming in Ladder language (IEC 61131-3).

Built-in I/O capabilities include four configurable (PNP or NPN) digital inputs, one 0.5 A / 250 VAC relay output, and one 0-10 VDC / 4-20 mA analog input. A variety of plug-in option modules for additional I/O and communications protocols can be added to extend capabilities. A remote keypad and flash memory module are also available.

Starting at $138.00, sixteen units are available from 1/4 hp to 5 hp. Single-phase 100-127 VAC, and single or three-phase 200-240 VAC power supply options are available. WEG CFW300 series AC drives are cUL, CE approved and are backed by an 18-month warranty.

In business since 1994, AutomationDirect is a distributor offering thousands of industrial automation products for electrical control systems, including PLCs, operator interfaces, AC drives, motors, stepper systems, sensors, motor controls, enclosures and more. Their prices are typically well below the list price of more traditional automation companies because of their business model and focus on efficiency and the majority of their products are stocked for same-day shipping. Plus, get free two-day delivery on orders over $49; some limitations apply. For more information, contact them at 800-633-0405 or visit www.automationdirect.com.

]]>Configuring Analog Devices to Integrate with PLCshttps://library.automationdirect.com/configuring-analog-devices-integrate-plcs/
Thu, 06 Dec 2018 15:25:29 +0000https://library.automationdirect.com/?p=9954A variety of analog signals must be transmitted to a PLC for monitoring and control, with each processed to ensure correct operation. Winn Paulk, the Automation Controls Group Product Manager at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the November 2018 issue of Processing magazine titled Configuring analog devices to integrate with PLCs. All programmable logic controllers ... Read More

All programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are connected to some field devices, says Paulk.

Whether it is discrete input signals, analog signals or via a communications protocol — the PLC must have data from external devices to control and monitor a process.

Analog inputs are complex because analyzers, instruments and other devices produce a wide variety of signals.

Common types of analog variable inputs to a PLC include:

Temperature

Pressure

Flow

Level

Weight

Speed

Temperature signals are probably the most popular and include thermocouples, resistance thermal devices (RTDs) and thermistors. Thermocouples offer fast measurement speed and are often the lowest-cost solution.

RTDs have a more limited temperature range, but are more accurate and repeatable. A thermistor, a thermally sensitive resistor, also has a smaller sensing range when compared to a thermocouple, making it more useful for commercial than industrial applications.

Pressure is another key process signal. Air pressure and compressed gas measurement are very common. Fluid pressure, such as hydraulic and water, are other popular measurements. While most pressure transducers come in voltage and current configurations, others use digital communications to send a scaled value.

These AutomationDirect ProSense pressure sensors monitor pressure in many process applications, providing discrete and analog signals in wide measurement ranges for both pneumatic and hydraulic circuits.

Flow measurement of liquid media offers reliable flow detection via a switched, pulsed output from an inline device, or via an analog output proportional to flow rate with a transmitter. Flow transmitters often use a sensing principle based on differential pressure, which can be fast and precise. Mag meters operate using current-carrying coils to generate a magnetic field to measure flow rate of conductive materials in a pipe.

Level transmitters are often installed on tanks and vessels, and many different types are available including radar, differential pressure and ultrasonic.

Weight is another process signal monitored by a PLC. The signals originate from load cells or strain gauges. Process signals proportional to speed are available using tachometers and encoders.

Signal Types

Process signals are transmitted to a PLC in a variety of ways including discrete, analog, specialty modules and communications. Most flow, level, pressure and load cell device outputs are analog, typically current or voltage such as 4–20 mA, 0–10 Vdc or +/-10 Vdc. For other signal types, accommodations must be made at the PLC.

Digital communication options are also available such as serial, EtherNet/IP, IO-Link, EtherCat and others. The main advantage of digital data links is the ability to send data in addition to the process variable including secondary variables, diagnostics and calibration information.

Once a process signal is properly received at the PLC, it often needs processing and handling including filtering and scaling. Raw signals can be scaled in the PLC, often using dedicated function blocks. PLCs are often equipped for this, Paulk says.

Some PLC modules provide calibration or other converting functions within hardware configuration parameters. A PLC program can also be written to calibrate a process signal device, and to prompt the operator to perform the needed steps to complete the calibration.

Boiler Monitoring and Control

One application utilizing a wide variety of process signals is a wood-fired or biofueled boiler.

A variety of process sensors are needed to monitor and control pressure, flow, level, speed and temperature in this solid fuel boiler.

Pressure is an important process signal in boilers for monitoring and controlling steam demand and header pressure. A PLC monitoring boiler pressure will also probably monitor other variables such as temperature, level and flow.

The PLC monitors many temperature sensors for makeup water, water fed into coils, steam temperature and temperature drop at several locations throughout the boiler.

Level sensors are used to monitor chip and sawdust levels to ensure enough solid fuel is available. The PLC also monitors the level of a water tank used for makeup water, and the level of condensate tanks.

Flow of water through several parts of the boiler is monitored as well. Air flow may also be monitored to detect issues such as blockages, and to help fine tune the process.

Paulk says all these sensors need to be connected properly to the PLC:

Correct signal levels and PLC hardware must be used to make connections to analog devices. The specifications of all the devices involved must be carefully checked, and signal processing will often be needed to monitor and control the process.

]]>Effective Process Skid Automationhttps://library.automationdirect.com/effective-process-skid-automation/
Wed, 05 Dec 2018 14:15:11 +0000https://library.automationdirect.com/?p=9999Process skids are used in many industries and present a host of automation challenges, each of which can be met by using the right controller hardware and software. Jeff Payne, the Automation Controls Group Product Manager at AutomationDirect, wrote an article appearing in the September 2018 issue of Processing magazine titled Effective Process Skid Automation. ... Read More

]]>Process skids are used in many industries and present a host of automation challenges, each of which can be met by using the right controller hardware and software.

Jeff Payne, the Automation Controls Group Product Manager at AutomationDirect, wrote an article appearing in the September 2018 issue of Processing magazine titled Effective Process Skid Automation. Please find a summary below, or click here for the full text.

Process skids are created by taking various processes and fitting them onto a skid. These processes are often smaller versions of large-scale plants, for example a wastewater treatment skid processing 5,000 gallons per day, as compared to a municipal wastewater treatment plant processing millions of gallons per day.

Describing a wastewater treatment skid, Payne says it, “…must operate accurately and reliably at flow rates of 5 to 100 percent of capacity. Most process skids will have one or more PID loops, and many have extensive requirements for communications and data handling.”

This wastewater treatment system is contained on a single skid and delivered to a job site ready to run.

Payne says many process skids have demanding automation requirements because of the complexity of onboard operations, regardless of the number of I/O points.

Pick the Right Family

Perhaps the most important requirement for a process skid controller is scalability, often best accomplished by selecting a family of programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Using a family of PLCs allows the process skid builder OEM to scale from small to large applications with the same base hardware platform, and with the same PLC programming software.

This is important because many OEMs build process skids to handle a wide range of production, and it is much more cost-effective to closely fit the PLC cost and capabilities to the application requirements, as opposed to using a one-size-fits-none approach.

Selecting a family of similar PLCs for process skid automation, such as AutomationDirect’s Productivity series, allows designers to closely match PLC capabilities to skid requirements.

If the right family of PLCs is selected, each controller can be programed using the same software. In the best case, the software will allow the entire application program to be created before the PLC is selected. Payne says this allows the designer to select the PLC with just the right capabilities, and no more.

A family of PLCs will typically use the same I/O, with the higher-end PLCs in the product line sometimes offering more options. This simplifies design of the control panel because wiring to and from the I/O will be similar in all cases, and it also reduces stocking requirements.

One of the main reasons process skids are growing in popularity is the ability to test the skid prior to shipment. This is important Payne says, because of where skids are installed.

Process skids are often located in remote sites and are expected to run unmanned. This means the PLC must have the ability to securely communicate over the internet. This requires an Ethernet port and support for hardwired, satellite and cellular communications.

One of the most common remote connectivity options is browser-based access to a PLC’s built-in web server.

Another option for remotely accessing the PLC is a built-in web server. Enabling this feature provides a quick look at the PLC health by viewing system tags. It also provides the ability to view, download or delete data log files currently on the removable memory device, preferably at USB drive or microSD card.

To monitor just a few data points, an app is often the best solution. An app allows the user to connect a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet to remote PLC systems using Wi-Fi or cellular network connections. The remote user can monitor tags preconfigured for remote access inside the tag database of the PLC program.

The AutomationDirect PAC Data app runs on any Apple smartphone or tablet, providing remote access to the company’s Productivity Series of PLCs.

Playing Well with Others

Another popular application for process skids is in existing plants, which requires tight integration between the skid’s PLC and the plant’s control system. If multiple process skids are supplied to a plant by one OEM, then communications among the PLCs on each skid will often be needed.

Process skids are often installed in existing plants, requiring tight integration with existing control systems. This AutomationDirect P3K PLC addresses these requirements by providing a variety of communication ports including two for Ethernet, RS-232 serial, RS-485 serial and USB.

In applications where skids are integrating with existing applications or other skids controlled with Productivity Series PLCs, quick integration can be implemented via the proprietary ProNET network to quickly and easily share data among PLCs. Payne sums up:

Process skids have unique controller requirements in terms of scalability, real-time control, remote operation, integration with other control systems and data handling. The right controller, usually a family of PLCs, will allow skid builders to satisfy these requirements in a cost-effective manner while minimizing startup and commissioning time.

]]>Absolutely FREE PLC Training from AutomationDirecthttps://library.automationdirect.com/absolutely-free-plc-training-from-automationdirect/
Mon, 03 Dec 2018 14:07:02 +0000https://library.automationdirect.com/?p=9994~No Purchase Necessary for Free PLC Training~ As the world around us becomes more and more automated, an understanding of electrical control systems becomes more and more vital. Manufacturers, as well as the technicians, integrators, and/or engineers they employ, know firsthand the benefits automation provides. In fact, for many, automation has been the key to ... Read More

As the world around us becomes more and more automated, an understanding of electrical control systems becomes more and more vital. Manufacturers, as well as the technicians, integrators, and/or engineers they employ, know firsthand the benefits automation provides. In fact, for many, automation has been the key to their success. That’s why we feel the more people know about automation, the more prepared they are to succeed in a world that’s increasingly automated.

Many years ago, to assist our customers with their training needs, we teamed up with Doug Bell of Interconnecting Automation and started a hands-on PLC training program. Eventually, this led to the creation of a video training course which was offered free of charge as a benefit to anyone who purchased one of our PLCs or PLC starter kits. This course has helped numerous automation professionals gain a greater understanding of PLC fundamentals and how these fundamentals are applied to industrial processes.

Over the years, we have seen the demand for this type of training grow exponentially not just with our customers but with the public at large. US manufacturing and the need for skilled labor is on the rise, and because of that we feel it not only benefits us as a supplier, but the industry we rely on to train as many people as possible on PLCs. Therefore, we have removed the purchase restriction from our online PLC training program thus providing absolutely free PLC training. This allows access to anyone interested in learning about industrial controllers.

This completely free online PLC training course is available 24/7 so you can learn at your pace and at your convenience. To access the training or learn more about what is provided, follow this link or check out the video below. And don’t forget, when it comes to automation, no one gives you more than AutomationDirect

]]>Fruitport High School Robotics Team Restores Kris Moosehttps://library.automationdirect.com/fruitport-high-school-robotics-team-restores-kris-moose/
Mon, 03 Dec 2018 12:18:04 +0000https://library.automationdirect.com/?p=9959The Fruitport High School Robotics Team (FRC team # 2405), known as the Techno Trojans, were approached by the Lakes Mall in Muskegon Michigan to restore an animatronic Christmas moose display and ‘bring the moose back to life’. Originally the moose – affectionately known as Kris Moose – was a part of the Christmas display ... Read More

]]>The Fruitport High School Robotics Team (FRC team # 2405), known as the Techno Trojans, were approached by the Lakes Mall in Muskegon Michigan to restore an animatronic Christmas moose display and ‘bring the moose back to life’. Originally the moose – affectionately known as Kris Moose – was a part of the Christmas display in the Muskegon Mall from around 1981 until that mall closed in 2001. In his former location, Kris entertained the public for many Christmas seasons and undoubtedly created numerous magical childhood memories. When Kris was found stored in a garage in 2018 after all those years, he no longer had any of the original electromechanical components that enabled his animatronic functionality – with the exception of a couple of 1970’s era pneumatic cylinders.

They Made a List (and checked it twice)

The Techno Trojans began work in October with hopes to bring Kris back to life for the 2018 Christmas season. The students and coaches planned an entirely new control system based around the Ethernet-enabled CLICK PLC that handles all the new operations. “We decided to use Automation Direct products for this project due to our confidence and familiarity with these components that we’ve used with our robotics team and that several of the team’s mentors use in their ‘day jobs’ in the automation industry,” commented Coach Joe Hebert. Through the use of this PLC and some Fuji Electric pushbuttons and joysticks, the team was able to employ different animatronic modes which the operator can select during the holiday season. The modes of operations are:

Automatic response to sound

Sleep with snoring effect

Manual for direct operator controlled response through a microphone

NITRA solenoid valves and other pneumatic devices were selected to drive Kris’s movements. Students were introduced to and wrote ladder logic programming to control the moose’s mouth, eyes, and neck (head turns side-to-side). They also learned how to layout and wire a control panel enclosure that meets industry standards.

A Christmas Presence

The team delivered and installed Kris Moose in the mall for his debut on Black Friday where he will help create new childhood memories and entertain Christmas shoppers throughout the season.

The mall management is ecstatic about how the project turned out. “The FIRST kids were so amazing that it bought tears to my eyes! Not only did their robotics involvement give them the expertise to tackle the technical problems with Kris, but their problem-solving skills, teamwork, and soft skills (people skills) made them the perfect group to handle this project. It was a pleasure working with them. I feel certain that this group of kids is poised for success, wherever life should take them. The whole community is proud of them and happy with the work that they did to bring Kris back to life!” raved Julie Sustaita; Assistant General Manager of the Lakes Mall.

So, if you are near the Lakes Mall in Muskegon during the Christmas season, please stop by and check out the new and improved Kris Moose!

And if you would like to learn more about FIRST Robotics and how YOU can get involved with this great program – visit www.FIRSTinspires.org